Grinning Prince Andrew leads the pack with Sarah Ferguson at royal service after William & King Charles had to leave
PRINCE Andrew grinned as he lead the royal pack with Sarah Ferguson at a memorial service after William and King Charles had to leave.
The Duke of York was among a number of royals who attended St.George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle for the Thanksgiving service held in honour of Greece’s late King Constantine.
Andrew was seen beaming as he led the way in a rare public appearance as mourners arrived for the service.
Queen Camilla arrived separately meaning that the Duke of York stepped forward to usher in more minor royals including Princess Anne, her daughter Zara and husband Mike Tindall.
His ex-wife Sarah Ferguson was by his side as they marched into St George’s Chapel this morning
Earlier today, the Prince of Wales informed the Greek Royal family he could not attend the service due to a personal matter.
William was due to give a reading this morning, but instead, Prince Pavlos, the son of King Constantine carried out the honours.
Meanwhile, King Charles, 75, was at Windsor this morning but left before the ceremony began as he continues to bravely battle with cancer following his shock diagnosis.
With a number of major royals out, Phil Dampier claimed that Andrew had seized his chance to be front and centre.
Speaking to MailOnline he said: “We have been reminded of the fragility of the situation and Andrew will probably be encouraged to think he can one day make some sort of comeback, although it’s not likely for at least a year or two, if ever.
“It’s quite extraordinary that Prince Andrew and his former wife Sarah Ferguson were front and centre as they walked into the Chapel, almost like the old days.
“Yes, it was a private family event but it was a large turnout of royals seen by the public.”
It is the first time the disgraced Duke of York has attended a public event since the Christmas Day service at Sandringham.
Back in 2022, Buckingham Palace announced that Andrew was stripped of his military titles and his royal patronages were returned to the late Queen.
Andrew was previously accused of having sex with underage Virginia Giuffre on Epstein’s “Paedo Island” as well as allegedly knowing about his pal’s sex crimes.
But the royal denied all wrongdoing.
The case was settled without any of the allegations being tested in court as Andrew settled the lawsuit in February 2022.
It’s been more than four years since Prince Andrew stepped down from royal duties.
But the unsealing of court papers in the US which allege that Andrew took part in an underage orgy and appeared in sex tapes — which he denies – saw controversy swirl once again.
Following the release of the documents, Charles is said to have wanted to keep a distance from the disgraced Duke – who said he “regrets” his friendship with Epstein.
The service was for the late King Constantine of Greece, who died in January last year and was William’s godfather.
William’s no show over a “personal” issue raised worried questions over Princess Kate’s health.
But Kensington Palace maintained that the Princess of Wales, who is recovering from abdominal surgery, is doing well.
The 42-year-old mother is currently recuperating at home after her planned procedure on January 16.
Kate spent 13 days recovering at the private London Clinic before heading home – and she is unlikely to be seen carrying out any frontline duties until after Easter.
But in a clear sign of her improvement, the Princess joined William and their children Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis on a half-term trip holiday on the Sandringham estate in Norfolk.
Camilla was joined at Windsor today by Her Majesty Queen Anne-Marie, former Queen of the Hellenes and His Royal Highness Crown Prince Pavlos, along with other members of the Greek Royal Family.
The Queen was seen beaming as she talked to guests upon arrival at the historic church.
She then took a seat next to Princess Anne as the memorial service got underway.
The King was said to be close to his second cousin Constantine – who was the former monarch of Greece.
Charles was seen waving to the public as he was driven to Clarence House in London earlier today.
His Majesty was recently diagnosed with cancer after the disease was spotted during this prostate operation.
TIMELINE OF HEALTH WOE
HERE is a date-by-date rundown of the health worries to have struck the royals this year.
JANUARY 16: Kate is admitted to the London Clinic for abdominal surgery.
JAN 17: It is announced that the King is to have treatment for a benign enlarged prostate.
JAN 18: William spends time at Kate’s bedside.
JAN 19: The King flies back from Scotland with the Queen.
JAN 21: It is announced Sarah, Duchess of York, has malignant melanoma, a skin cancer.
JAN 23: Kate’s hospital stay passes one week. JAN 26: The King is admitted to the London Clinic for treatment.
JAN 29: The King is discharged from hospital. Kate leaves the same day.
JAN 31: Queen Camilla announces that the King is “getting on, doing his best”.
FEBRUARY 5: Buckingham Palace announces the King has cancer, but not of the prostate, and will not carry out public-facing duties.
In a statement at the time, Buckingham Palace said a “separate issue of concern was noted” after Charles spent three nights in hospital last month.
Tests carried out have revealed “a form of cancer“, the palace added.
In the meantime, Prince William and Queen Camilla have taken the lead and stepped up to help with royal duties.
Today’s service was led by the Dean of Windsor, The Right Reverend Dr Christopher Cocksworth, and attended by
Foreign Royal Families and other guests.
Constantine was a first cousin once removed and sailing partner of the late Duke of Edinburgh.
He died at the age of 82 in January last year, decades after being toppled from the throne in a military coup.